Don't Be a Benedict Arnold

Once upon a time, the name Benedict Arnold

was synonymous with honor and courage.

Arnold was George Washington's favorite military officer

for most of the American Revolution,

and Washington considered him a hero,

a brilliant strategist, and a key reason

for the Continental Army's success.

But that all changed in 1780

when Benedict Arnold switched his allegiance

from America to the British Army.

It's a moment that has gone down

as one of the most famous betrayals in American history.

Even today, almost 250 years later,

to label someone a Benedict Arnold

is to accuse them of betrayal,

disloyalty, and treason.

That's the danger of creating a bad name for ourselves.

It can hang over us like a dark cloud for weeks, months,

even years, or centuries, bringing rain,

not only into our lives,

but perhaps into the lives of our children

and grandchildren as well.

At the end of the day, a reputation is only as strong

as the character beneath it.

Don't pretend to have a good marriage.

Face your issues and put in the work to actually create one.

Don't just wish for a world

where integrity and good values are upheld.

Be a person who upholds integrity and good values.

Both good and bad choices alike,

ripple outward and affect the people around us.

To build a good name for ourselves and our families,

we must make choices today

that bless our tomorrows.

For Focus on the Family, I'm Jim Daily.